Kyle Larson holds off Justin Allgaier for thrilling Texas win

Field Level Media|published: Sat 2nd May, 20:07 2026

NASCAR OReilly Auto Parts: Andy's Frozen Custard 340

May 2, 2026; Fort Worth, Texas, USA; JR Motorsports driver Kyle Larson (88) celebrates in victory lane with the trophy after he wins the 2026 Andy's Frozen Custard 340 at Texas Motor Speedway. Mandatory Credit: Jerome Miron-Imagn Images

FORT WORTH, Texas -- During the final caution of Saturday's Andy's Frozen Custard 340 at Texas Motor Speedway crew chief Andrew Overstreet radioed an encouraging message to pole winner Justin Allgaier.

"Nothing stops a hungry gator," said Overstreet, referencing Allgaier's Little Gator nickname. "Not even the so-called ‘Greatest of All-Time.'"

But Kyle Larson, the G.O.A.T Overstreet referenced, proved too much for Allgaier during a 17-lap green-flag run to the finish. Though Allgaier caught Larson in the closing circuits, he couldn't find a way past his JR Motorsports teammate, who won his second NASCAR O'Reilly Auto Parts event in four starts this season.

"I really didn't think I had a chance there with Justin behind me," said Larson, who beat Allgaier to the finish line by 0.293 seconds. "He was really good, catching me there on that long run after the (earlier) green-flag stop (on Lap 145 of 200).

"Thanks to him for racing me clean... that was a great little run to the end there."

The victory was Larson's second straight at Texas and third overall and the 18th in the series of his career.

Though Allgaier matched his best finish at Texas and increased his series lead to 121 points over second-place Sheldon Creed, the disappointment was etched in the face of the runner-up.

"Without contact, I don't know if there was any way to get around him, and I tried everything I could possibly try and just unfortunately came up short," said Allgaier, a three-time winner this season.

Larson was first off pit road under caution for Rajah Caruth's crash off Turn 2 on Lap 179. Allgaier was third behind Brandon Jones and lined up behind Larson in the bottom lane for the Lap184 restart.

Allgaier quickly cleared Jones and took off in pursuit of Larson, using the top lane to gain time on his teammate. Though Allgaier got to Larson's bumper in the closing laps, he was stymied in his efforts to pass for the win.

Sam Mayer finished third, one spot ahead of rookie Brent Crews, who collected a $100,000 bonus as the highest-finishing eligible Dash 4 Cash driver. It was the first such payout for Crews in the final Dash 4 Cash event of the season.

The race was punctuated by seven cautions (for 36 laps), the first of which was a bifurcated five-car wreck on the opening lap.

Hendrick Motorsports driver Corey Day entered the race fourth in the series standings and exited the event after a hard crash into the Turn 2 wall on Lap 1.

Larson led a race-high 93 laps, followed by Allgaier (54), who won the first 45-lap stage wire-to-wire. Connor Zilisch won Stage 2 before fading to 21st in the final segment.

NASCAR O'Reilly Auto Parts Series Race -- Andy's Frozen Custard 340

Texas Motor Speedway

Fort Worth, Texas

Saturday, May 2, 2026

1. (3) Kyle Larson(i), Chevrolet, 200.

2. (1) Justin Allgaier, Chevrolet, 200.

3. (17) Sam Mayer, Chevrolet, 200.

4. (5) Brent Crews #, Toyota, 200.

5. (10) Parker Retzlaff, Chevrolet, 200.

6. (11) Sheldon Creed, Chevrolet, 200.

7. (7) Austin Hill, Chevrolet, 200.

8. (2) Brandon Jones, Toyota, 200.